My husband was born in Ireland, and since he migrated to Canada when he was 7, he’s pretty much been back every year.
Since I’ve been around, we’ve always gone for about 10 days during the month of May. Well, the first two years we did- last year we had just enough time to make a quick pit stop on our way home from our honeymoon.
This year- we pick up the tradition and are traveling to Northern Ireland in May for 10 days - this time, with my parents.
I am SUPER excited. My parents hardly travel (other than to my brother’s hockey games and annual trips to Florida). So this will be a bit of a shock for them. My step father is nervous to fly and my mom is nervous for the time change (Ireland is 5 hours ahead of Toronto). And I’m nervous the car rental place won’t have a vehicle big enough to accommodate us and our luggage. (You see, driving in Northern Ireland is a bit of an adventure and because of this, small cars are the norm). In spite of all this, I think my parents will have a blast and I’m so excited for them to witness some of the beauty Ireland has to offer.
We will be spending most of our time in the North, but since we’re flying into Dublin, we’re going to spend 1 or 2 nights there. (Northern Ireland is actually a completely separate country from the South).
Dublin is great for walking around, seeing lots and always having something to do. Temple Bar is a must for tourists. It’s pretty much their downtown core; full of shops, cafes, pubs, and touristy stores.
Most people that travel to Ireland probably stay right in Dublin. Dublin is pretty similar to Toronto. It’s very commercialized, touristy, and full of things to do.
If you ever get a chance to venture up to the North, here are a couple things you MUST check out!!
-The Giants Causeway. It’s unbelievable. It’s an area of about 40,000 interlocking columns that is breath taking to see in Bushmills. You will hardly believe it to be natural. It was caused by a volcanic eruption, but in Irish legends, it was created by the Irish Giant Finn MacCool.
-Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in Ballintoy. Traditionally, fishermen created the bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island over a 23m-deep and 20m-wide gulf to check their salmon nets. Today, visitors are drawn here simply to take the rope bridge challenge! It’s beautiful, nerve wrecking, and challenging all at the same time.
-Lastly, you must drive down the Causeway Coastal Route. It’s a beautiful drive full of greenery, Blue Ocean, lovely landscape and sharp turns! Don’t be surprised by all the sheep!
Ireland is known for their wet climate. But because of this it’s so green and lush its mesmerizing!
And, the beaches... they are beautiful! They are a little cool, and you don't see much swimming, but because of this, it's breath taking, quiet and serene. If it's too cool to walk the beach, just drive it...
I think it will be so great for my parents to be able to meet some of my husband’s extended family. Now that we’re married we have all become one family, and it’s important to me that everyone feel like family, or at least meet and be aware of each other.
At the end of the day, nothing is more important than family. They have your back always, love you un conditionally and truly want nothing but the best for you. These people know you inside and out and always have your happiness as a number one priority.
Sometimes we see extended families as an inconvenience. Another family to accommodate, another family to fit in over the holidays. But, what about another family to love and support you. Another family to celebrate? And for this, May cannot come soon enough!